Each of the poems in this leaflet treats the subject of the senses in a different way. The first plays with words and double meanings; two draw on a seaside context, linking to On-screen resource 2 while ‘Using my senses’ uses everyday situations to explore each sense. The two longer poems use repetition. Children with a good phonic knowledge should be able to read these poems independently.

Thhes teachers’ notes accompany the PRINT ONLY guided reading leaflet in Literacy Time PLUS Ages 5 to 7, July 2009.

Before reading

Revisit what the children understand about the senses, referring to science activities or On-screen resource 2.

Look through the leaflet and discuss what kind of text it is. What do the children know about poems and poetry, including how they affect the reader? Briefly consider how poetry often looks different on the page when compared to other texts.

Recap some decoding skills pertinent to the group – eg, basic phonic skills, such as vowel patterns or suffixes. Alternatively, if decoding is reasonably secure, focus on wider strategies to support comprehension – eg, model how to work out what sapphire might mean in ‘sapphire sky and yellow sun!’ by reading on to yellow sun.

Ask the children to read each poem more than once, experimenting with intonation and phrasing.

Read the titles together and ask the children to choose the poem they would like to read first, reminding them that they do not need to read the leaflet from front to back.